Salina, Utah – Kim Donald Gates, 78, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026, in Provo, Utah, surrounded by his loving family.
Born July 24, 1947, in Salina, Utah, to Donald and Helen Gates, Kim was raised by Clark and Jewel Williams and later by his father and Doraleen Gates. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War (1969–1971) and continued in the Army Reserves until 1975.
In 1967, he married Ruby Ann Nelson in the St. George Temple. Together they raised six children and built a life centered on faith, hard work, family, and their beloved cabin at Fish Lake, Utah.
Kim built and operated a family business alongside his father and later his sons. He graduated high school at age 16, attended college before being drafted, and was known for his love of poetry, often writing tender words to his wife.
He is survived by his six children, seventeen grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his wife Ruby, his parents, his brothers Ronnie and Dick, and great-grandson Brink.
Funeral services honoring Kim will be at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, February 20, 2026 at the Salina Stake Center. Viewings at the Stake Center will be held Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. and Friday morning from 9:00-10:30 A.M. prior to services.
Livestreaming of Kim’s service will be available under his obituary at springerturner.com 15 minutes prior to start time.
Burial with military honors accorded by Salina American Legion Post #36 will be at the Salina Eastside Cemetery, under the care of Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina.
His legacy of devotion, strength, and love lives on in the family he cherished.
Online guestbook available at springerturner.com
